Will you lose your hair? Baldness algorithm of 287 gene regions can predict your chances

[A] recent study…has become the first to detail exactly which genes are involved [in male pattern baldness].

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[A] team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh…have pinpointed 287 genetic regions associated with this form of baldness. Many of these genes…are associated with hair structure and development…while other genes associated with more hair loss were linked to shorter stature, fewer offspring, and a lower risk of bipolar disorder.

The top gene-based hit was the gene on the X chromosome encoding the androgen receptor, a DNA-binding receptor that regulates gene expression…This adds further and substantial evidence that baldness is, at least in part, influenced by the genetics of a man’s mother.

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With the data on the genetic variants that led to different forms of hair loss, the scientists created a prediction algorithm to determine to what degree men would go bald. As of now, the scientists can’t confidently predict results for individuals, but they can “identify subgroups of the population for which the risk of hair loss is much higher”, lending to the belief that the algorithm will continue to improve.

[The study can be found here.]

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Gene-Based Baldness Predictor Offers Hope for the Hairless